Farmers now eligible for disaster relief

Assistance is available from the USDA for livestock deaths and grazing losses caused by adverse weather

The U.S. Agriculture Department said Monday farmers and ranchers may sign up for disaster assistance programs, reestablished by the 2014 Farm Bill, starting April 15.

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Posted Apr. 8, 2014 at 2:00 AM

Posted Apr. 8, 2014 at 2:00 AM

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The U.S. Agriculture Department said Monday farmers and ranchers may sign up for disaster assistance programs, reestablished by the 2014 Farm Bill, starting April 15.

The Livestock Indemnity Program and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program provide payments to eligible producers for livestock deaths and grazing losses that have occurred since the expiration of the livestock disaster assistance programs during the past four years.

Enrollment also begins on April 15 for producers with losses covered by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program, and the Tree Assistance Program.

The indemnity program provides compensation to eligible producers that have suffered livestock losses because of adverse weather. Beef cattle, dairy cattle, bison, poultry, sheep, swine and horses are among the eligible animals.

The forage program provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses because of drought or fire on publicly managed land.

To expedite applications, all producers who experienced losses are encouraged to collect records documenting these losses in preparation for the enrollment in these disaster assistance programs. Producers also are encouraged to contact their county office ahead of time to schedule an appointment.